The town centre’s main thoroughfare is set to undergo its makeover early in 2015.

Post-bypass beautification work on Smith St is likely to begin in February and is expected to be completed within 18 to 26 weeks.

Bypass strategy coordinator Bruce Potts outlined the revised timeframe for construction at Kempsey Shire Council’s monthly meeting on Tuesday.

Work had been scheduled to begin in the final quarter of this year, with an extended break to accommodate the peak summer holiday period.

Presenting his latest regular update on the project, Mr Potts said discussions with the Kempsey Chamber of Commerce and other business owners had prompted the new timeframe.

He provided also fine details on some of the features that will give Smith St a fresh new look.

There will be a new area for families to meet, where small children can play and where their parents can sit.

This will be located at the corner of Belgrave St.

It will incorporate the fig tree-themed street sculpture that will serve also as a climbing feature for youngsters.

Mr Potts showed slides of the furniture that will be installed along the pavements and under pergolas in the revamped median strip.

Examples of slatted wood and steel seats, benches and tables will be on display at the council’s West Kempsey headquarters from next month, so the community can see how it looks.

Light-coloured reconstituted pavers – interspersed with darker, silver-grey ones – will give a more inviting feel to pedestrian areas.

And Mr Potts explained the characteristics of the trees, shrubs and flowers that have been selected to add further colour and ambience to the CBD.

Semi-mature deciduous trees - including Japanese zelkovas, crepe myrtles and Japanese maples - will bring vibrant hues in spring and autumn, while existing cedars will be enhanced with low hedges and lilies.

Bike racks, new bollards and bins with recycling containers have been chosen.

The council will install noticeboards soon in the CBD, providing details of the work.